Discrimination in the workplace is a major concern for many employees. If you believe that you have been treated unfairly or unjustly due to a protected characteristic such as your race, age, sex or disability, it is important to understand what steps you can take to address the situation.

In this article, we will explore the financial and non-monetary remedies available to individuals who have experienced discrimination in the workplace.

Financial remedies for discrimination claims

If you have suffered loss or harm as a result of discrimination, you are entitled to seek compensation for the way you have been treated.

The financial element of this compensation can include:

Loss of Earnings: This compensation is designed to make up for any loss of income you have suffered due to being out of work. This may include compensation for your salary or any other benefits you would have received if you had not been subjected to discrimination.

Injury to Feelings: There are three categories of injury to feelings, which are known as the 'Vento Bands'. The compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your case.

Less serious cases, which involve one isolated incident, are typically awarded between £990 and £9,900.
Moderately serious cases, which involve sustained discrimination, can receive awards between £9,900 and £29,600.
Extremely serious cases, which involve the most serious instances of discrimination, can receive awards between £29,600 and £49,300.

Aggravated Damages: In cases where an employer has deliberately discriminated against an employee and knew that their actions were against the law, the tribunal may award compensation for aggravated damages. Although this compensation is available, it is relatively rare for an award to be made.

Read: What are employees entitled to in the workplace?

Non-monetary remedies for discrimination claims

In addition to financial compensation, the tribunal can also award non-monetary remedies to those who have experienced discrimination in the workplace.

These can include: 

A Declaration: The tribunal can make a declaration that your employer has discriminated against you, which serves as a formal recognition of your situation. 

Recommendations: The tribunal can also recommend that your employer takes steps to correct the situation, limit the damage being done and/or prevent discrimination from affecting other employees. 

It is important to note that a tribunal does not have the power to force an employer to promote an employee or provide preferential treatment for a job. Additionally, there is no legal power to require an employer to apologise for their actions. However, tribunal judgements are public documents and can be accessed easily.

Read: Work-related stress: can I claim against my employer?

If you believe that you have been subjected to discrimination in the workplace and need advice on pursuing a claim against your employer, we at Fonseca Law in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, are here and ready to help. Our experienced employment solicitors can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate the complex legal process. To get in touch with us, please call 01495 303124, email us at enquiries@fonsecalaw.co.uk, or complete our simple and convenient online contact form.